The garden website has no information about the surfaces or condition of the trails but AllTrails lists the garden arboretum trail as wheelchair accessible so we decided to try it. I'm not sure if we were ever on the arboretum trail because the garden map does not show an arboretum trail however we did not find any trail was that accessible over a reasonable distance.
We parked at the Visitor Center parking lot and attempted the trail to the Desert Garden and Jurassic Garden where we found narrow pathways and steps. It is possible to follow the trail to the Geology Museum which appears to be accessible. We did not go to the Visitor Center.
We then followed the road and passed by several trails leading into the forest that we closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. These trails are not accessible. As we continued along the road we passed by the Hanover House and tried some of the paved paths in the Children's Garden where we found steps and other obstacles.
Continuing on we stopped at the Hunt Cabin which has a poor ramp and a high threshold at the doorway. After talking with the volunteer we decided to take the Heritage Trail back to the Visitor Center lot. This is a great trail which passes through examples of ten South Carolina habitats. Unfortunately it is not accessible either. We found a bridge deck that didn't fit flush to the ground, erosion control boards across the trail, steep areas, and cross slopes.
All in all we went between 1.5 - 2 miles. It was a nice day to be outside but a frustrating walk/roll so I recommend skipping this garden as there are many gardens that are accessible. I marked the route we took in yellow.
The parking lot at the Visitor Center is large enough for any vehicle.
Garden 34.66831, -82.82692
Not a very successful day for walking/rolling! Too bad. Wish public places like this took better care of all their visitors.
ReplyDeleteWe've finding this more in southern states. I don't know why but it might have to do with the cost of upgrading.
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